Zoo rides are open Fridays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Santa Ana Zoo will be closed on 12/11/24 and 12/25/24.

Host a party or event

Reserve your space for a birthday party or event. The zoo has one area for up to 25 guests, two areas for 25-50 guests, and one large area for up to 500 guests.

Need to know

All event rates include:

  • At least 2 hours in the party area (reservation times available vary by event area)
  • 30 minutes before and after the event for set up and clean up
  • All-day zoo visit for your guests on day of event
  • Discounts on rides
  • Seating in event area

Rates vary based on:

  • Number of guests in party
  • Your zoo membership status

Before you start

Discover which space works best for you based on your party size, desired event time, and location.
All rental areas include shade and seating.

Areas, prices, and times

Choose from one space for up to 25 people, two spaces for 25-50 people, or one space for up to 500 people.

rides plaza rental areaRides Plaza party area

  • Deposit: $250
  • Reserve from 2pm - 4pm for:

25 guests

Price: $450 / Zoo member price: $400

Explorer's Outpost event areaExploration Outpost party area

  • Deposit: $250
  • Reserve from 11:30am - 1:30pm for:

25 guests

Price: $450 / Zoo member price: $400

50 guests

Price: $700 / Zoo member price: $650

Primate Forest event areaPrimate Forest party area

  • Deposit: $250
  • Reserve from 10:30am - 12:30pm for:

25 guests

Price: $450 / Zoo member price: $400

50 guests

Price: $700 / Zoo member price: $650

outdoor stage and seatingLarge park area with amphitheater

  • Deposit: $1000
  • Reserve for full day 10am - 4pm for:

500 guests

  • Price: $3000 / Zoo member price: $2700
  • Includes stage, seating area, and tiki buffet bar

Steps to reserve

  1. Download the rental application.
  2. Review the user's agreement, regulations, and guidelines.
  3. Contact us for available dates.
  4. Complete the required fields and sign the form.
  5. Submit your application and pay the rental deposit.

Get help

What's next

Deposit and payment

Once we receive your application, we will charge your credit card for the deposit. The balance will be charged on the day of your event.

Food is allowed; alcohol is not

You can bring your own food or use a caterer. We recommend contacting the zoo's cafe, Bean Sprouts. Outside caterers need to provide proof of liability insurance. No outside grills are allowed. If you are having food delivered, you need to pick it up outside the Zoo gates.

No alcohol is allowed. If you are found with alcohol, we will shut down your party and contact the police. You will lose your deposit.

Set up and clean up

You can arrive up to 30 minutes before your scheduled time to set up. Extra time is not allowed if you are running late. You may stay 30 minutes after your end time to clean up.

You can bring party decorations, except for these items that are not allowed:

  • Balloons
  • Confetti
  • Inflatable decorations

You can bring easy-ups or canopies.

We do not have any storage or refrigeration facilities for your items before or after your event.

Support during your event

Within the 30 minutes of your set-up and clean-up time, a staff member can help you with one cart to carry items to and from your party area. You can bring your own carts or wagons if needed. You cannot borrow wagons or strollers to transport items. Golf carts are not available.

A staff member will check in with you at the start of your event to answer questions.

  • If you have an emergency, report it at the Ticket Booth.
  • If you have questions or requests during your event, contact the person listed on your reservation confirmation
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